?Chapter 27:


    Paige was radiant in a flowing white gown that shimmered under the chandeliers. Hair essories rested on her head, catching the light like stardust. She held herself with the quiet grace of royalty, a gentle smile curving her lips as her eyes scanned the crowd with calm confidence. Beside her, Ran looked every bit the gentleman in a crisp white suit tailored to perfection. Tall and effortlessly handsome, he turned slightly toward Paige, his eyes warm with affection, and a soft smile yed on his lips.


    A hush fell over the crowd before gasps rippled through the room.


    “Look at them! They’re like a royal couple from a storybook.”


    “They’re perfect together. She’s the most admired socialite in Ublento, and he’s the heir to the Hudson Group. It’s like watching a real-life fairy tale unfold!”


    Vivien, eager to make her presence known, stepped forward with a bright smile. “Have you seen Paige’s dress? It’s a custom piece from Emily’s newest collection—worth half a million. Ran bought it for her.”


    Emily wasn’t as globally known as elite brands like Rosa, but her designs were still a dream for many in the luxury world.


    Vivien’s eyes gleamed with pride as she added, “And that’s not even the best part. The hair essories, earrings, and ne she’s wearing? All designed by Emily too—together they cost thirty million.”


    “Wow!” The group of young socialites exchanged an envious nce. “Ran must really adore Paige.”


    Vivien cast a cold, condescending nce at Elliana and sneered, “Elliana, didn’t you marry the richest man in the city? So why do you look so ordinary? No jewelry at all, and you’ve even covered the logo on your dress. Is life really so bad in the Evans family that you can’t even afford a proper outfit?”


    Her words hit their mark, and soon, the others in the room began to notice Elliana’s simple appearance. Compared to Paige’s radiance, her outfit seemed dull and unremarkable.


    The fabric of Elliana’s dress was decent, and the design was creative, but the absence of a visible brandbel was telling. In this circle, it wasn’t just about looking good—it was about showcasing high-end brands. Without a prestigiousbel, something was simply considered worthless.


    All around Elliana, women sparkled with diamonds and luxurybels, their appearances polished to perfection. In contrast, Elliana looked painfully in.


    Even a pair of earrings adorned her ears, making her stand out for all the wrong reasons.


    Whispers of judgment rippled through the crowd, their faces filled with disdain.


    “Seems like the rumors are true. Elliana has no real standing in the Evans family. They don’t even bother to make her look good. It’s clear she’s not treated like thedy of the house.”


    “Exactly. She might’ve snatched the marriage, but what’s the use? She’s still living like an outsider in that house.”


    “Paige is the real winner here. She didn’t marry into the Evans family, but look at her now—adored by Ran, showered with gifts, living like a queen.”


    Paige, standing nearby, couldn’t help but smirk. This was just what she had wanted—let the world see: even though Elliana had married into a powerful family, Elliana was still beneath her, always would be.


    “Really, Elliana, we should thank you. If you hadn’t shamelessly taken that marriage, Ran might’ve ended up stuck with you. What a tragedy that would’ve been—for him, of course.” Vivien let out a shrillugh, tossing her hair dramatically. “Honestly, Elliana, just ept it—you’re stuck in a cold, loveless marriage while Paige and Ran are living the dream. It must burn, doesn’t it?”


    Elliana’s gaze turned cold as she looked at Vivien with a calm yet cutting expression. “Maybe. But even in a loveless marriage, I’m still Mrs. Evans. That title alone carries more weight than someone who’s been chasing after the kely name for years and still couldn’t get it.”


    Vivien’s smile faltered.


    Everyone knew about Vivien’s long-standing crush on Merlin. She’d thrown herself at him for years, but he had never shown an ounce of interest. Elliana had hit where it hurt the most.


    Seeing the amused expressions of those around her, Vivien’s face flushed with embarrassment. Her fists clenched at her sides, and her eyes glistened with tears, but she said nothing.


    Watching Vivien falter, Paige inwardly rolled her eyes. What a useless ally. Vivien can’t even handle a few words from Elliana.


    Just then, Ran’s gentle smile faded. His eyes darkened the moment theynded on Elliana. “Who let this disgrace in?”


    Paige ced a delicate hand on his arm, her voice soft and sweet. “Ran, don’t be mad… I was the one who invited her. She’s my sister, after all. I couldn’t just leave her out on a night like this. That would be too cruel.”


    Ran sighed and tapped her nose yfully. “You’re too soft for your own good.”


    A rosy blush touched Paige’s cheeks. “Will youe with me to say hello? Just for a moment?”


    Ran looked annoyed. “Why bother?”


    “My father’s watching,” Paige said gently. “I don’t want to make the family look divided on such an important day.”


    Reluctantly, Ran gave in and walked with Paige. His steps were confident, but his face showed clear disdain the moment they approached Elliana.


    Paige was loving every second of it. The contrast between Ran’s warmth toward her and his coldness toward Elliana made her feel victorious. Her smile was graceful, but her eyes carried a subtle challenge. “Elliana,” she said sweetly, “thank you foring to our engagement party. Ran’s been spoiling me so much—he picked everything for me, from the venue to the gown and even my jewelry. Everything’s perfect. I couldn’t be happier.”


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